McCague resigns from NTIS

Deteriorating health issues have forced George McCague to resign from
the New Tecumseth Improvement Society (NTIS), ending a connection that
dates back to 1999 when he was appointed its first chair.

The NTIS is a not for profit entity established originally as a dodge
to avoid paying approximately $2 million in GST on the $27.3 million,
57 kilometer water pipeline between Collingwood and Alliston. And while
New Tecumseth owns the pipeline, it is leased (99 years) to the NTIS
whose composition includes one representative from Collingwood PUC, one
representative from OCWA,
two elected officials of New Tecumseth and one resident of New
Tecumseth voted for by the board members, which has been Mr. McCague.

Its function isn't entirely clear, minutes of meetings, which are held at least once per year in May or June, are not included in council agenda packages.

Mr. McCague, who retired from provincial politics as Simcoe West PC MPP
and Ontario Cabinet Minister, in 1990, was New Tecumseth's first
elected mayor in 1991. He served one term, losing a reelection bid in
1993 to Rick Milne. Mr. McCague played an active role in negotating the
pipeline construction financing deal.

His resignation from the NTIS was an in camera item last Monday night.
On tonight's agenda is an in camera item also dealing with the
pipeline, but as a legal matter.